JOY
underdeveloped/ developing countries Are the two phrases same? Which one is used more frequently? Thanks for your help
Sep 20, 2014 1:38 AM
Answers · 3
1
It is all a matter of political correctness. There was a time (up to the 1960s) when countries which were less developed were called "underdeveloped" countries. Then the term was criticised for being negative and disparaging and it became politically incorrect. The term "developing countries" then replaced "underdeveloped countries". Again the term "developing countries" has over the years attracted criticism. Its critics assert that it implies inferiority, which many countries dislike. They also criticise it for assuming that the Western model of development is the only model. See this interesting discussion on the term "developing countries" on Wikipedia: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developing_country Development economics and development politics are huge and important subjects. in our world today. At the global political level, the UN and the UN are the two organisations where these issues are hotly debated, but policies with lasting impact are nevertheless made. There are other related terms such as "emerging economies" and "least developed countries that you should also familiarise yourself with.
September 20, 2014
1
No,they're not. For example: South Africa, Brazil, India and Ukraine are "developing countries". Developing countries are nations with a lower living standard and lower national incomes. We don't really refer to countries as "underdeveloped". Generally we might describe countries as developed and developing. We can however refer to countries in the developing category as "less developed" if they are not as developed as others. For example, we could describe Ethiopia and Bangladesh as less developed countries. I hope this is helpful :)
September 20, 2014
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